41 
also are very astonished to see anyone sleeping on shore. Although 
excellently equipped for life at sea, the Alpha Helix is not equipped 
to provide shore parties with the optimum support, either for sleeping 
and eating, or for work. Such items as collapsible light camp chairs and 
tables are needed in large number and large water containers and camp 
beds . 
... 9 p . m ... 
Working with Cinderella, Erema, Veronica, and Mary, girls of Merig 
aged 15, 10, 8, and 15 years, respectively, who are seated in our camp again 
tonight. They obviously would not mind any liaison possible and 
await overtures on our part. Judy, Don and Ray have returned to 
the ship. Wind has blown up and yet the anchorage remains good. We 
have used the passage into the small lagoon at high tide this morning 
and evening, but at mid-day at low tide we could not get our small boat 
out . 
We have found 48 Merig residents to bleed and have left two babies 
unbled, — a population of 50 on the island!! 
Review of Recent Deaths in Merig Community ; 
In April, 1971 there was a very sudden explosive outbreak of vomiting 
on Merig with six children dying over the course of only three days and 
two adults as well — a total of eight deaths. There were no convulsions. 
Lansdale 
M5 ) 
Philip 
M3 ) 
Three sons of Pauline 
, (eldest daughter of 
William 
Ml ) 
Chief and Luke Mul Mathias Venbiv) 
Alban 
M 9 mos 
son of Deacon Charlie 
Noah 
George 
M 5 mos 
son of Dorothy Rutias 
& ?father 
Greta 
F9 
daughter of Mathias & 
Ruth Rom 
The illness was sudden severe vomiting with dehydration I suspect 
it was bacterial. All died after 1-2 days of Illness and emesis was the 
most characteristic symptom. 
Pauline, wife of Luk Mul and mother of three children who also died, 
was the only adult victim. Alban, Infant son of Charlie Noah was first 
to die. 
Joyce, a female aged 50, wife of Albert (dead 1959) died of the same 
disease. 
Anjen Rutus, female, aged. Husband: John Wokab — died of old age long 
ago at Merig. 
Ruth Rombal, female, 25. Husband Mathias Edward (fr. Lekwel, Merelava) , 
died of "short win" on Aug. 5 on Merig. 
No deaths in 1972 as yet. No deaths in sea for many years. No deaths 
from coconut palm or trees for many years. Injury (broken wrist) in fall from 
tree: Henry Morris, M-20 died about I960- 
